SUCH INTERESTING PEOPLE

In Banning's latest, matinee affairs of the heart blossom alongside creative endeavors in music and writing--all in the Blue Ridge foothills village of De Soto, North Carolina, once an intimate, beautifully balanced spot, now somewhat spoiled by faster-living, well-to-do newcomers. Clyde Meredith, however, has returned here seeking the old De Soto; after losing his job and his marriage, he has come back to restore his grandfather's house, hoping that he'll be joined by daughter Daphne--who has lived for four years with a late, great rock star. And also in town is young novelist Shore Lang, trying to relocate his inspiration (his last book came a cropper). Shore rents a cottage belonging to Ann Morton, now in Europe, and by unearthing the tragic romance of Ann's youth, he spots the germ of a new novel. He also spots Daphne (who has indeed joined Clyde), and the two will pair after Shore's rave-reviewed novel is published and after Daphne breaks into TV as a folksinger. As for Clyde, he finds happiness with his young secretary, a true old De Sotoan. With meditations on the scenery, old buildings, and old values (""Blacks cio not mix with whites socially but that does not bother them a bit. . . they have every proper privilege""), this is sleepy-time gauze for Banning's sedate, loyal following only.